Instruments
What can be more important than fine craftsmanship in a custom made acoustic instrument? Some would say that the fit of the qualities of the instrument to the player’s musical style and physical attributes is most important. Others might say that it’s all about sound, while others want glitzy inlays and cheap prices.
I build instruments that are finely crafted, simple, somewhat traditional in design, and value fit with the musician and the intended use. I favor North American woods such as Black Walnut, Birds Eye Maple, Engleman and Red Spruce, and Cherry for my instruments as my way to support local mills and not use tropical rain forest woods. However, I am happy to build from my current stock of tonewoods which includes Quilted Mahogany, Cuban Mahogany, Indian Rosewood, and Ebony. I use only the highest quality materials and appointments.
Speaking of sustainability, I don’t utilize Nitrocellulose or other plastic finishes. All of my instruments are finished either with French Polished shellac or various Oil finishes. Tru-Oil is lately a favorite as it has a long history of protecting gun stocks and provides a beautiful finish.
Instruments
What can be more important than fine craftsmanship in a custom made acoustic instrument? Some would say that the fit of the qualities of the instrument to the player’s musical style and physical attributes is most important. Others might say that it’s all about sound, while others want glitzy inlays and cheap prices.
I build instruments that are finely crafted, simple, somewhat traditional in design, and value fit with the musician and the intended use. I favor North American woods such as Black Walnut, Birds Eye Maple, Engleman and Red Spruce, and Cherry for my instruments as my way to support local mills and not use tropical rain forest woods. However, I am happy to build from my current stock of tonewoods which includes Quilted Mahogany, Cuban Mahogany, Indian Rosewood, and Ebony. I use only the highest quality materials and appointments.
Speaking of sustainability, I don’t utilize Nitrocellulose or other plastic finishes. All of my instruments are finished either with French Polished shellac or various Oil finishes. Tru-Oil is lately a favorite as it has a long history of protecting gun stocks and provides a beautiful finish.
Classical and Flamenco Guitars
My first love. I have built a number of Classical guitars of materials ranging from Cocobolo, Spalted Black Walnut, Maple, Indian Rosewood, and Cedar. I love the tonal range and precision of Classical Guitar music and the many ways Classical guitars can be used to play everything from Blues to Jazz to Classical music. I build instruments that are traditional in design with modern touches and materials. Please see the most recent build that features Alpine Spruce top, a gorgeous flamed Hawaiian Koa Back and sides, Schertler Tuners, with Koa appointments.
Steel String Guitars
I build steel string guitars of just about every style and size, including Martin like patterns such as OM, OOO, and Parlour sized. My steel strings can be custom ordered with Engleman, Sitka, or Red Spruce tops. I favor wood appointments and won’t use “Mother of Toilet Seat” plastic bindings or inlays unless you pay me extra and agree to add me to your Will.
Irish Bouzoukis
My new love! Several months ago my wife and I went to an Irish Pub in Dover, New Hampshire to hear her violin and fiddle teacher play during a jam session. Her teacher spread the word ahead of time with the musicians present that I am a Luthier who does custom instruments and repairs. One of the players walked up to me and asked “Hey, you’re a Luthier, can you build an Irish Bouzouki?” “Sure” says I. I spent the next several months researching and designing Irish Bouzouki templates and forms and you can see the result on this page. I intend to make this instrument one of my mainstays, as there are few people building high quality Irish Bouzoukis. My first has a scale length of 660 mm, back and sides are curly black walnut, top is Sitka Spruce, and appointments are Koa and Black Walnut Burl. I added an Allen cast Bronze Tailpiece, and a Fishman Pre-amp and under saddle pickup. Great sounding instrument!
Gypsy-Jazz Guitars
This is a new one for me. I have done extensive research and prototypes for a Selmer Maccaferri guitar for a friend and am in the process of building my first. Lots of interesting build process differences involved, such as learning to lay up veneered sides and back to making a “Pliage” cut across the inside of the spruce top and doing a “puckering” moment of bending the top with the grain. Watch my web site for progress pictures of build #1.